During his presser at Cobham, after apologising for his broken-English, he claimed he is thrilled to have taken over the reins at the Blues, adding JT is the man for him, despite the ongoing contract saga at the end of last season.

Jamie McPhilimey - The Sun

Conte, 46, has claimed Terry eventually signed the deal as a player - not in any other role - and he will continue to be an integral cog at Stamford Bridge.

He said: “John Terry signed a new deal as a player.... Not in any other role.

"John Terry is the captain of this team, a great player with great charisma.

"I want to speak with him because he knows the club, the spirit and for me he is an important player.

"All the players know that when a player deserves to play, with me he will play.

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John Terry will still be Chelsea captain for the 2016-17 season

"When he plays or doesn’t play you are always the captain. John Terry is always the captain."

Conte added he is thrilled to have the chance to take on the challenge of Chelsea, saying it's an exciting new chapter in his career.

The Italian boss said: “It’s a great pleasure for me to be here. I am very happy.

"I work hard to be here and I’m excited for this moment and to start the new season with Chelsea.

“This is a new chapter for my life and career, and my family, and I am very happy to get started working in a fantastic country and a fantastic league.

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Antonio Conte is adamant John Terry is still the right man for the job

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“This league is very difficult, the most difficult league in the world. Six or seven teams can win the title.

"Chelsea is a great team, I am very proud to be the new manager of this great team."

Former Italy boss Conte - who led his country to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 - went on to say that Chelsea are meant to be in the Champions League, and nothing else will suffice.

However, he insisted he will thrive on the pressure, not fold under it.

Conte added: “Pressure for me is not important. It is normal. When you are a player or manager for a great club like Chelsea you must play to win the title, to fight and to compete with the other teams.

Instagram @johnterry.26

Chelsea's John Terry has been keeping himself in shape this summer

"I know this league is very, very difficult because six or seven teams can win the title. This situation excites me.

"We know this year won’t be easy. Last season, was a bad season. We know that. Me, the players, the club.

"But we have to think about the present and to build something important for us and the fans, because the fans need to find a team ready to fight.

"I know only one team wins the title but we must be there fighting for the title and to be there in the Champions League.